The National College
BA (Hons) Degree in Art and Design Education
The four-year degree course in art and design education is intended for those students who wish to develop a broad range of disciplines in art and design, with the purpose of applying these in various education contexts. Graduates of the course carry a recognised qualification for appointment as teachers of Art, Craft and Design in second-level schools.
Graduates may also wish to work in other contexts, ranging from early childhood to further education, adult education and special needs education. Other areas of likely interest may include work in galleries and museums, in community education settings or in various state or private institutions.As well as possessing aptitudes in art and design, applicants should enjoy working with people, particularly with young people, a lively and enquiring mind, good communication skills and an eagerness to explore the world of art and design learning.
Course Description
The course consists of four main subject areas: Visual Arts, Education Studies, Classroom Practice and History and Appreciation of Art and Design.
The first year of the BA (Hons) in Art and Design Education will be taken as part of the First (Core) Year, shared with other students on entry to the college. On successful completion of First Year, selected students pursue the remaining three years of the Education degree as a dedicated course.
In Year 2 the emphasis is on Classroom Practice and on the work undertaken by the student in their area of Studio Practice. Current Studio Practice options are: Ceramics, Graphic Design, Painting and Textiles. Students undertake Teaching Practice for part of the year in post-primary schools. These placements are arranged by the College. At the same time the students' professional development is further expanded in the context of the post-primary school through the Visual Arts for Classroom Practice and Education Studies elements of the course which include Educational Psychology, Philosophy of Education, Sociology of Education, History of Education, Curriculum Studies and Classroom Practice (including Teaching Preparation).
In Year 3, while students continue their involvement in their area of Studio Practice at a high level, continuing emphasis is placed on Visual Arts for Classroom Practice, Education Studies and Classroom Practice.
In Year 4, while students maintain their involvement in the above areas of study, there is a greater degree of self-determined and self-directed study under the supervision and guidance of tutors. Students must present visual and written submissions as part of the examination requirements.
Students are required to teach in post-primary schools from the start of the school Autumn term until Easter.
Ten per cent of the course is devoted to studies in the History and Appreciation of Art and Design.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the course are qualified to take up careers as teachers of art, craft and design at post-primary level. Many graduates also choose to work or pursue further study in other domains of education, including further education, community arts education, special needs education or similar areas.
Click here for Entry Requirements and Application Procedures
